Spring Break

[Sandra]

A few of my friends and I do not want to just sit around for a week. So us having the need for adventure want to take a road trip. We really are up for anything but would love to have some awesome scenic driving. We are starting in New Jersey and have 7 days. We just don't know where to go. Yes, as you guessed this will be our first roadtrip. We'd love some help from those who know how to do it!

[Sandra]

A few of my friends and I do not want to just sit around for a week during our time off. So us having the need for some adventure want to take a road trip. We really are up for anything but would love to just have some awesome scenic driving where ever we go. We are starting in New Jersey and have 7 days. We just don't know where to go. Yes, as you guessed this will be our first road trip. We'd love some help from those who know how to do it!

[laydownthelaw]

Here are some destination suggestions for you. Where you'll be able to go is going to depend on the weather and what type of activities you're planning. Early Spring is not really the best time of year for scenery, but many places are beautiful year round.


How about heading southwest into Virginia and starting out at Shenandoah National Park. Plenty of scenic driving (and short hikes if the weather is nice) along the 'Skyline Drive' which winds you through the Blue Ridge Mtns. You will see about two dozen scenic overlooks along the route
which offer different views and perspectives of the park and its features. From there, consider taking the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way down to Great Smoky Mtns National Park. The parkway stretches for about 450 miles or so and connects the two parks. I have done the northern 200 miles of the drive and I can personally attest for its stunning beauty. Another great thing about the parkway is that it basically runs parallel to I-81, and there are access points every 20 to 30 miles or so. You can take I-81 back to Pennsylvania and then connect with whatever highway you need to get home. You can easily get back in one long day of driving.


Or, for a change of pace...


How about heading into the Pocono region of Pennsylvania and then north into upstate New York. If you've never traveled up there extensively, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you see. The Finger Lake region offers beautiful lakeshores, gorges, and rolling hills. The Catskill and Adirondack mountains are also beautiful (and decent places to ski, if you are so inclined.) From there you can head north into Canada and visit two incredible cities- Montreal and Quebec City. They are strikingly different from each other, but both cities are filled with things to do (and the nightlife in Montreal kicks!) They are both within close proximity of scenic areas as well. Only problem with this idea is that temperatures can still be cold well into April and May in these areas, which may factor greatly into your decision.

Thanks for letting me waste a little time at work!


Good luck and safe driving.



ab

[Don Woodmancy]

You're message did not state when you were traveling and that would have some bearing as well as what you like to do and see. Presuming, as Angus did, early spring, I agree with the drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you want to put on a lot of miles, I'd extend the trip into the deep south. With the dogwoods and azaleas blooming in spring, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, etc are beautiful and very aromatic. If you did not want to go that far, there is lots to see and do in Virginia besides the Blue Ridge. The entire Shenandoah Valley is wonderful. Charlottesville is fun and you can visit Montecillo while you're there. I also like driving through horse country west and south of Washington. If you have any interest in history, You can't turn your head without seeing more of it. Some of my favorite sites are Harper's Ferry, Williamsburg, Antietam (actually just across the border in Maryland)and DC. If you're really lucky, you'll be in DC when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Have a wonderful trip.

[Sandra]

wow thanks for the ideas! I'm sorry I forgot the dates. It's the week of March 16-22nd to be exact. And thanks again!

[laydownthelaw]

Couldn't agree with Don more.

The 'cradle' of the Civil War is an amazing region to explore, especially if any of you are history majors. Also, a friend of mine down in Tallahassee, FL takes a 'Springtime Drive' through Alabama and Mississippi every year and has recommended it to me as a roadtrip idea many times, saying that the smell in the air "Defines Spring."

If you take a look at guidebooks for the southeastern states you will discover a land rich with physical beauty, palpable history, and some of the best Spring weather in the country (in between storms, that is).

Join AAA (if you haven't already) and take advantage of their extensive travel library, and of course, the roadside assistance.


ab

[imported_Kristen]

hey sandra, what's up? Road trips are definitley a good time. I'm actually going on one myself to daytona beach with a few of my friends for spring break. I don't know about you, but my idea of spring break isn't traveling through upstate new york or taking in the beautiful post civil war scenery. I'm all set with that. I suggest for spring break you either hit up panama city in florida, daytona beach, cancun, or san padre island in texas. My freshman year i drove from boston to panama city and had a blast. Last year, i went to cancun, and had the best time of my life. If your low on cash then i'd suggest panama city or daytona, you can drive there, and it's alot less expensive than cancun!! Let me know how everything turns out, Kristen.